Jesus Rescued People
Levi was another name for Matthew, who was a tax collector. Tax collectors were hated by everybody because they served the government of the Roman tyrants, and their pay was based on how much they collected. But Jesus loved this tax collector. In fact Jesus loved a lot of unpopular people.
Thinking we’re better than other people is very dangerous. Can you think of some people who are unpopular who need your love? You don’t have to approve of their behaviour in order to reach out to them.
People Asked about Going without Eating…
Once again, Jesus went to the shore of Lake Galilee. A large crowd gathered around him, and he taught them.
As he walked along, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus. Levi was sitting at the place for paying taxes, and Jesus said to him, “Come with me!” So he got up and went with Jesus.
Later, Jesus and his disciples were having dinner at Levi’s house. Many tax collectors and other sinners had become followers of Jesus, and they were also guests at the dinner. Some of the teachers of the Law of Moses were Pharisees, and they saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors.
So they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus heard them and answered, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. I didn’t come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners.”
